Budget 2026 sets out more than $50 billion in new federal commitments to expand Canada’s electricity system, supporting the goal of doubling the grid by 2050. The government says greater generating and transmission capacity is needed to meet demand from electric vehicles, heat pumps and energy-intensive artificial intelligence infrastructure, while helping cut emissions. Its finalized electricity strategy totals $115 billion in federal electrification spending through 2041-42. Key measures include extending clean electricity and clean technology investment tax credits through 2040, and broadening the electricity credit to help pay for the highest-voltage transmission lines within each province. The budget also allocates $4 billion over 10 years, beginning in 2027-28, to renewable energy expansion and priority electricity infrastructure.
The proposed tax-credit extensions are projected to cost $2.4 billion this decade and $36.1 billion from 2031-32 to 2041-42. Because much of the funding comes later, policy researcher Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood warns it may not prompt investment quickly enough and could be cancelled by a future government, creating uncertainty for utilities and investors. The budget also offers up to $10 billion in financing for upgrades to the Churchill Falls hydroelectric facility and renews the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program with $587 million over five years, supporting more than 55,000 additional EV chargers. The spending signals support for renewables even as the government’s broader electricity plan gives natural gas a role and Ottawa faces criticism for weakening emissions rules for power generation.
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The EU’s new Return Regulation expands the grounds and duration for immigration detention, including for children, and increases deportations. Critics warn that surveillance-based alternatives and externalization measures extend coercive migration controls beyond detention centers. (statewatch.org)
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden says the PS6 should prioritize affordability over more processing power, arguing a $300 console would be real innovation. He says rising console prices are shutting out buyers and Sony should focus on making hardware smaller and cheaper. (gamesradar.com)
EyesRhythm is an offline desktop app that uses a webcam to track blink rate and regularity, then offers gentle reminders and practice exercises. It also tracks head movement to encourage neck breaks, while keeping video on the device. (eyesrhythm.com)
Satellite images show Iran building new facilities near the Garmdareh and Shahroud missile bases and repairing damage at at least 12 other military sites. The work follows months of US and Israeli air strikes, according to analysts who reviewed the images. (bbc.com)
Stunt Car Racer’s computer opponents use three spring-mounted wheels to follow the track and cannot fall off. Drivers share the same engine but differ in their habits and swerving frequency; the AI also adjusts its speed and position around the player. (gamesexplained.com)
GeoWorks was a graphical operating system for PC-compatible computers that competed with Microsoft Windows in the 1990s. It offered a desktop interface on relatively modest hardware but failed to gain broad adoption as Windows became dominant. (atlasobscura.com)
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